Why Was Zantac Recalled and What is NDMA? As of April 1, 2020, the manufacturers of Zantac and ranitidine were asked to remove all prescription and over-the-counter drugs containing ranitidine, due to levels of NDMA found in some samples of the drug. NDMA is a known human carcinogen, and the FDA believes the contaminants in ranitidine can worsen over time, or when the drug is stored at room temperature. Prior to the “official” FDA recall, several manufacturers voluntarily recalled ranitidine due to higher than acceptable levels of NDMA.
Ranitidine is an H2 blocker that reduces symptoms of heartburn by binding to proteins in the stomach. Zantac was originally released in 1983, becoming the top-selling drug by 1988, with $1 billion in sales annually. Last fall, NDMA was found in some Zantac and ranitidine samples. NDMA is a yellow liquid, produced in the United States for use only as a research chemical. While NDMA was once used in the production of rocket fuel, this use was discontinued after high levels of NDMA were found near a rocket fuel manufacturing plant in the soil, water, and air samples. In some cases, NDMA can unintentionally be a part of the manufacturing process due to a reaction with other chemicals, known as alkylamines.
The primary sources of human exposure for NDMA include tobacco smoke, chewing tobacco, eating a diet high in cured meats, beer, cheese, fish, cosmetics, shampoos, cleansers, detergents, and pesticides. NDMA can also form in the stomach of humans while digesting alkylamine-containing foods. Occupational exposure for NDMA can occur in the fish processing industries, foundries, tanneries, pesticide manufacturing plants, and dye manufacturing plants. NDMA is harmful to the liver and can also cause lung cancer and liver cancer as well as many other types of cancers, by altering DNA.
A study published in Carcinogenesis in 2019 found that NDMA was associated with an increase in pancreatic cancer and liver cancer, and could potentially cause many other types of cancers, including stomach cancer, cancer in the small and large intestines, colorectal cancer, esophageal cancer, bladder cancer, prostate cancer, leukemia, Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. Those who have taken ranitidine or Zantac for a significant length of time who are experiencing any of the following should speak to a doctor immediately:
- Unintentional weight loss
- Poor appetite
- Changes in bowel habits
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Chronic, severe back pain
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Dark or bloody urine
Statutes of Limitations for Your Ranitidine Lawsuit - If you are considering a Zantac lawsuit or ranitidine lawsuit after the Zantac recall, and after learning that ranitidine causes cancer, you might want to speak to a knowledgeable Zantac attorney who can carefully review the facts of your illness and your history of taking Zantac or ranitidine, then help you determine whether filing a ranitidine lawsuit is right for you. Although the heartburn medication recall did not occur until April 1st, several manufacturers voluntarily recalled their Zantac and ranitidine after testing the tablets and syrup and finding levels of NDMA in the drugs that were higher than acceptable.
It is important that you know your state’s statutes of limitations—the amount of time allowed for you to file a Zantac cancer lawsuit. The statutes of limitations vary from state to state. In the state of Texas, the statutes of limitations for a product liability claim is two years. This is a two-year window from the date the injury was discovered or should have been discovered during which a consumer can bring a claim against the manufacturer or distributor. It is a good idea to speak to your ranitidine attorney regarding your statutes of limitations, so you are not left injured, unable to hold the responsible drug manufacturer accountable.
Claim Preservation for Your Zantac Cancer Lawsuit - If you have taken Zantac or ranitidine involved in the recalls, you not only want to ensure your potential claim will fall under the statutes of limitations, but also that you will have the required evidence necessary to support your ranitidine lawsuit. The preservation of your claim involves preservation of evidence, which can include keeping prescription medications or empty pill bottles from the recalled medications. Your injuries must also be properly documented. This can be accomplished by keeping notes of each adverse symptom you have experienced since beginning your Zantac or ranitidine medication.
How Can a Zantac Personal Injury Attorney Help? An experienced Sullo & Sullo ranitidine attorney can properly evaluate your injuries as well as the validity of your claim for a potential Zantac recall lawsuit to determine the best course of action. Our Sullo & Sullo ranitidine lawyers are knowledgeable regarding the recall on Zantac and ranitidine recall. We will help you determine whether your medication is one which has been recalled, then will comprehensively evaluate your medical records. A Zantac attorney will discuss the Zantac cancer link with you, then discuss a possible Zantac cancer lawsuit on your behalf. During your lawsuit against Zantac, our attorneys will ensure your rights and your future are properly protected.